Asian Update

Wednesday, 30 November 2022 22:13

The latest news for the Asian community

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22/7/2024

Bangladesh Political Tensions

Bangladesh is experiencing heightened political tensions as authorities have cracked down on opposition protests. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International report excessive use of force by police, including rubber bullets and mass arrests of opposition leaders and activists from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The protests, calling for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and the establishment of a caretaker government for the upcoming 2024 elections, have resulted in violent clashes, with numerous injuries and detentions reported (Human Rights Watch) (Amnesty International) (The Diplomat).

India-Nepal-Bangladesh Power Trade Agreement

In a significant development for regional cooperation, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh have finalized a draft for a tripartite power trade agreement. This agreement aims to facilitate the cross-border trade of electricity, enhancing energy security and economic collaboration among the three nations. The deal underscores the commitment to regional energy integration and sustainable development (Hindustan Times).

Pakistan Economic Crisis

Pakistan continues to grapple with severe economic challenges. The country is facing rising inflation, a depreciating currency, and a growing debt burden. These economic issues are compounded by political instability, with recent changes in government leadership and ongoing concerns over governance and financial management. The economic crisis has led to widespread public discontent and calls for significant economic reforms (Human Rights Watch) (Amnesty International).

15/7/2024

Bangladesh Election Campaign Kicks Off In Bangladesh, the election campaign has officially begun as the country prepares for its general elections in December. Major political parties are mobilizing their supporters, and the Election Commission has urged all participants to adhere to fair practices and avoid violence. The upcoming elections are seen as crucial for the nation's democratic process (Dawn ePaper) (EarthSky).

India to Launch Chandrayaan-3 Lunar Mission India is set to launch its Chandrayaan-3 mission to the Moon. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that the mission, which aims to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface, will launch later this month. This follows the partial success of Chandrayaan-2 in 2019, and ISRO scientists are optimistic about achieving their objectives this time (New Jersey Isn't Boring) (USCCB).

Pakistan Flood Relief Efforts Intensify In Pakistan, flood relief operations are in full swing as the country faces severe monsoon flooding. Thousands have been displaced, and rescue teams are working tirelessly to provide aid to affected areas. The government has called for international assistance to cope with the scale of the disaster, emphasizing the urgent need for food, medical supplies, and shelter (Dawn ePaper) (EarthSky).

8/7/2024

From India: In a major security operation in Jammu & Kashmir, six terrorists were killed in twin encounters with security forces in the Kulgam district. The 24-hour gunfight also resulted in the loss of two soldiers. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region (Hindustan Times) (India TV News).

From Bangladesh: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the country's first underwater metro tunnel under the Karnaphuli River in Chittagong. This landmark infrastructure project aims to significantly reduce traffic congestion and boost economic activities by providing a direct route between the city's two parts (Hindustan Times).

From Pakistan: A magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck multiple cities, with the epicenter located in Afghanistan. The tremor was felt in areas including Islamabad and Peshawar. There are no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage, but residents are advised to stay alert for aftershocks (India TV News).

1/7/2024

India-Bangladesh Agreements: During Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s state visit to India, the two countries signed ten pacts. These agreements cover areas such as space, telecom, railways, health, and disaster management. They also established a shared vision for India-Bangladesh Digital Partnership and India-Bangladesh Green Partnership. Additionally, a new train service between Rajshahi (Bangladesh) and Kolkata (India) and a bus service between Chittagong (Bangladesh) and Kolkata were announced
Pakistan’s Political Landscape: In Pakistan, the roles of former Prime Ministers Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan have reversed. The country’s politicians continue to wrangle over power, and the outcome matters significantly due to Pakistan’s nuclear status and geopolitical relationships with neighboring countries

24/6/2024

India:

Bangladesh:

Pakistan:

17/6/2024

In India, the nation has opted not to sign the Communique emerging from the Swiss summit on peace in Ukraine, maintaining a stance of engagement with all stakeholders for a peaceful resolution ¹. Meanwhile, India’s coal import has risen by 13% to 26 MT in April, driven by an expected increase in power demand during summer ².

In Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to visit New Delhi for a summit meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on defence partnership and cross-border connectivity initiatives ³. The country is also concerned about illegal heavy arms entering through the Myanmar border as reported by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi ⁴.

Turning to Pakistan, a Japanese climber has tragically died while attempting to scale one of the highest mountains in northern Pakistan, with another climber still missing ⁵. In sports, Pakistan defeated Ireland in a T20 World Cup match by three wickets ⁶.

10/6/2024

In today’s South Asian news roundup, we begin in India, where the nation has faced a severe heatwave. Over the past three days, more than 50 people have succumbed to the scorching temperatures, with Uttar Pradesh and Odisha being the hardest hit.

In Pakistan, the weather has also been extreme but in a different form. Unusually heavy rains have led to the deaths of at least 39 people. The torrential downpour has caused widespread damage to farmland and infrastructure, with authorities warning of potential landslides and flash floods.

Turning to Bangladesh, the country is still grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Remal. The cyclone has claimed at least 16 lives and caused significant destruction across coastal regions. Efforts are underway to provide relief and support to the millions affected.

Lastly, in a significant political development, India has concluded its general elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party has emerged as the largest party with 240 seats but will need to form a coalition to secure a majority in the Lok Sabha. This election marks a pivotal moment for the nation as it navigates through economic and social challenges.

3/6/2024

In India, the world’s largest democratic exercise has concluded 1. The general election results are expected to be announced on the night of June 4 or the morning of June 5 1. Exit polls predict a clean sweep for the BJP-led NDA, with the opposition’s INDIA bloc expected to win just over 100-130 seats 2.

Moving to Bangladesh, the country is grappling with a flash flood in the north-eastern region, with fears of the situation lingering amidst forecasts of continued heavy rain 3. In other news, Bangladesh and China are set to begin formal negotiations on a free trade agreement by the end of this year 4.

27/5/2024

In Pakistan, residents are calling for action as the country faces a severe heatwave. This is the latest in a series of climate-related disasters affecting the region. Despite the challenging conditions, the country’s exports have seen a significant increase of over 29 percent during the first ten months of the current fiscal year.

Moving to India, a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into cyclonic storm 'Remal’³. The storm is expected to make landfall between West Bengal’s Sagar Island and Bangladesh’s Khepupara at midnight on Sunday³. In other news, a 27-year-old man trying to complete the 25-km walk test for the post of forest guard in Madhya Pradesh’s Balaghat district died at a hospital where he was admitted after his condition deteriorated.

Over in Bangladesh, Anwarul Azim Anar, a governing party’s MP, who went missing on May 13, was found murdered in India. In sports, Shakib Al Hasan is set to play in a record ninth T20 World Cup in Bangladesh’s Shanto-led squad. Meanwhile, schools have reopened even as a heatwave alert has been extended by three days.

20/5/2024

India-Pakistan Relations: Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, the pilot released by Pakistan at the Wagah border. She conveyed “the sentiment of the Nation” to the pilot and appreciated his combat skills and calmness in adversity. The “Friendship Express” train service between New Delhi (India) and Lahore (Pakistan) resumed after being temporarily suspended due to escalating tensions between the two countries.

Kashmir Conflict: Two Pakistan Army soldiers were killed in cross-border fire with Indian forces near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir. The incident occurred at the Nakiyal Sector.

China’s Stance: China, with important links to both Pakistan and India, called for self-restraint and regional peace amid the India-Pakistan crisis.

13/5/2024

Tensions Escalate Between India and Pakistan:

In a recent development, India and Pakistan have exchanged heated words over alleged extrajudicial killings. The Guardian newspaper reported that India has been involved in at least 20 targeted assassinations in Pakistan since 2020. These killings are part of a broader policy to “target terrorists living on foreign soil.” Pakistan’s UN ambassador responded, warning that India’s actions would meet a strong response.
Relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors have been strained for decades, with three wars fought since their independence in 1947. The recent flare-up underscores the delicate balance in the region.

Exploring India’s Future: Policy Perspectives on Indic Refugees:

The Friends of India Society International-UK (FISI-UK) hosted an event titled “Exploring India’s Future” at the UK Parliament. The discussion centered around policy perspectives on Indic refugees post-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The event aimed to shed light on the challenges faced by refugees and their integration into society.
As the global refugee crisis continues, this dialogue provides valuable insights into the humanitarian aspects of migration and displacement.

Espionage Allegations and Diplomatic Tensions:

Pakistan has urged the international community to hold India accountable for espionage in foreign countries. Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch made this call during her weekly news briefing in Islamabad. The allegations highlight the ongoing intelligence rivalry between the two nations.
Meanwhile, India has denied any wrongdoing and accused Pakistan-based terror groups of fomenting instability in the region. As tensions persist, diplomatic channels remain crucial in preventing further escalation.

7/5/2024

Pakistan’s UN ambassador has issued a stern warning to India, saying that any act of aggression in Kashmir will meet a swift response.

The disputed region of Kashmir has been a longstanding point of contention between India and Pakistan. Recent incidents have heightened tensions.

India has recently tested its new ROCKS missiles, capable of taking out Pakistan’s nuclear assets.

While tensions have eased along the border since the 2021 truce, there remains a delicate balance in the region. Community leaders have called for both nations to prioritize dialogue over saber-rattling to ensure regional stability

In a surprising move, the Board for Cricket Control in India (BCCI) has announced that the Indian men’s cricket team will tour Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.

This cricket tour could serve as a bridge between the two countries, fostering goodwill and promoting people-to-people connections.”

29/4/2024

A coalmine explosion was reported in Central Karam on Sunday trapping six miners working inside the mine.

The Deputy Commissioner of the region said four individuals had been rescued alive and a rescue operation is underway to locate and save the remaining two miners.

The cause of the explosion currently remains unknown, as the investigation into the incident is underway..

Two people lost their lives when their vehicle was hit by a landslide in Jubbal area of Shimla district in Himachal Pradesh.

Debris along with boulders rolled down a hill at Sanel on Sunday afternoon and an SUV was trapped under it, police said.

The debris was removed with the help of earth-moving machines. Bodies of two men were extricated from the smashed SUV and sent for postmortem to Jubbal hospital, police said.

The Indian Coast Guard intercepted a Pakistani boat off the Gujarat coast, seizing narcotics valued at Rs 600 crore and apprehending 14 individuals on board.

This joint operation, carried out overnight in the Arabian Sea, involved coordination between the Coast Guard, Gujarat Anti-terrorism Squad (ATS), and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

22/4/2024

Tens of millions of people have voted so far in a staggered general election in India that ends on 1 June.

Almost a billion people are eligible to cast their ballots in a seven-phase election to the 543-seat lower house of parliament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is seeking a third consecutive term.

Several key opposition parties, including the Congress, have formed an alliance in many states to take on BJP. Results will be announced on 4 June.

Key concerns include a jobs crisis, rising prices, a clampdown on dissent and opposition, and the politics of religion.

A car has veered off track during a motor race in Sri Lanka killing seven people, local media report.

They say at least 18 others were hurt in the accident at the Fox Hill Supercross event on Sunday.

Among the dead were four race officials as well as spectators, including an eight-year-old girl, the army says.

15/4/2024

At least 15 people have been found dead and two others missing after landslides hit central Indonesia, say the local authorities.

At least 17 victims were evacuated from the landslides that hit Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi province on Saturday evening, local disaster agency head Sulaiman Maila said on Sunday.

A high-level delegation of Saudi Arabia, led by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, will visit Pakistan this week

The visit follows up recent work to enhance economic cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Seventeen Indian crew members who were aboard a cargo vessel seized by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are still being held by Iran.

India/s Foreign Minister has been in talks with both Iranian and Israeli counterparts however the escalation of tensions caused by Iran's recent retaliation is expected to make negotiations for the release of the crew more difficult.

8/4/2024

At least two were killed and five injured including a woman in a blast in Khuzdar city in Balochistan according to a government official.

Khuzdar Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Arif Khan said that the bomb was planted in a motorcycle parked in the middle of a commercial centre.

Owners of a popular samosa shop in Gujarat have been arrested along with four others for stuffing cow meat in their samosas and selling them to unsuspecting customers.

Police said they had received information following which they raided 'Hussaini Samosa' on Saturday and seized the stock. Tests proved the stuffing had cow meat, DCP said.

And Rahul Gandhi has pledged to conduct surveys for wealth redistribution and ensure fair representation for marginalized groups post-elections.

He criticized the underrepresentation of these groups in key sectors.

2/4/2024

Nearly a week after Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed, almost two dozen sailors remain stranded on-board the vessel involved in the accident.

India has confirmed that 20 members of the container ship's crew are Indian citizens with the remaining crew member from Sri Lanka. One was slightly injured when the ship collided with the bridge killing six people.

An Indian official said last week the crew are all in good health, including the one member with the minor injury, which required stitches.

India on Tuesday strongly rejected China's recent actions of renaming places in Arunachal Pradesh, calling them "senseless attempts."

The ministry of external affairs reaffirmed that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and that China's renaming efforts will not change this fact.
"China has persisted with its senseless attempts to rename places in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.

200 employees of Sports Board Punjab have staged a protest against the non-payment of salaries from the past two months,

The daily wagers left their work and recorded a peaceful protest in Lahore, demanding immediate resolution to their financial plight.

The Director General of Sports Punjab, Pervez Iqbal, took note of their grievances and engaged in discussions with the workers and assured them that the issue of unpaid salaries would be swiftly resolved within the coming days.

22/3/2024

Prominent opposition politician and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has been arrested by India's financial crime agency, his party said.

The arrest is in connection with corruption allegations relating to the city's policies over alcohol sales.

Mr Kejriwal and his party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), deny any wrongdoing and say the case is politically motivated.

His arrest comes weeks before voting begins in India's general election.

Indian opposition leaders across political parties have strongly condemned the arrest.

Indonesian rescuers found 69 Rohingya people sunburnt and dehydrated on Thursday, floating on a rusty hull off the coast of Aceh.

The country’s search and rescue agency says nine children, 18 women and 42 men were saved. Around 80 others are believed to have been swept away - feared dead. One survivor said that some in the party had been at sea for a month in a wooden boat.

A local fishing vessel had come to the group’s rescue a day earlier. But the migrants reportedly tried to climb on board in a panic, overturning both boats. The survivors were adrift for over a day, stranded on the hull of the second boat.

15/3/2024

In India's Bengaluru city (formerly Bangalore), thousands of people have been chasing tankers, taking fewer showers and sometimes missing work to store enough water to get through the day.

The southern metropolis - once called a pensioners' paradise because of its cool weather and lush gardens - is now more famous as India's info-tech hub where companies like Infosys, Wipro and hundreds of start-ups have plush offices. But years of rapid, often unplanned, expansion have taken a toll, and the city now appears bursting at its seams.

Two more rulings in Japanese district courts have added weight to the push for same-sex marriage to be legalised.

This week, courts in Tokyo and Sapporo ruled the nation's current ban was "unconstitutional", in line with previous landmark verdicts.

The rulings in separate cases found that the ban breached citizens' rights.

Even as they welcomed the verdicts, activists warned that the historic step of legalising same-sex unions would still need to come from lawmakers.

Currently, Japan remains the only G7 country not to fully recognise same-sex couples or offer them clear legal protection. But it is not an outlier in Asia, where Taiwan is the only place to allow same-sex unions.

India's government has announced plans to enact a controversial citizenship law that has been criticised for being anti-Muslim.

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will allow non-Muslim religious minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to seek citizenship.

The authorities say it will help those facing persecution.

The law was passed in 2019 - sparking mass protests in which scores of people died and many more were arrested.

12/3/2024

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's mother-in-law has been nominated to serve in the upper house of India's parliament.

Sudha Murthy, 73, is married to Narayana Murthy - the billionaire co-founder of global tech giant Infosys and their daughter, Akshata, married Rishi Sunak in 2009.

Indian PM Narendra Modi said the appointment was an example of "'Nari Shakti' [women's power], exemplifying the strength and potential of women in shaping our nation's destiny."

India has signed a free-trade agreement (FTA) with a group of four European countries that are not members of the European Union.

The deal with Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein will see investments in India of £77.8bn, the country's trade minister says.

More than two decades after winning his first Oscar, Japan's revered animator Hayao Miyazaki has done it again.

The Boy and the Heron beat Disney's Elemental and Spider-Man Across the Spider-verse to win the Best Animated Feature Film prize.

The 83-year-old also won the Golden Globe for the same film last January.

4/3/2024

Pakistan's newly formed parliament has elected Shehbaz Sharif as prime minister for a second term.

He defeated a rival supported by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The move comes three weeks after an inconclusive general election that was marred by allegations of intimidation and vote-rigging.

The drivers of a train that crashed in southern India in October, killing 14 people, were distracted watching a cricket match on a phone, India's railways minister said.

Dozens more were injured when the train collided with another train in Andhra Pradesh state.

Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the drivers were watching India play England during the one-day World Cup.

Both of them lost their lives in the incident.

Hundreds of millions of cricket fans tuned in to see the live broadcast of the match, which hosts India won.

India has retained its title of the world's fastest growing major economy as it expanded 8.4% in the last three months of 2023, from a year earlier.

The data comes as the country is set to hold a general election this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it showed "the strength of Indian economy and its potential".

27/2/2024

An angry mob in Pakistan accused a woman who wore a dress adorned with Arabic calligraphy of blasphemy, after mistaking them for Quran verses.

She was saved by police who escorted her to safety after hundreds gathered. She later gave a public apology.

The dress has the word "Halwa" printed in Arabic letters on it, meaning beautiful in Arabic.

The Indian Railways has ordered an investigation after a freight train travelled more than 70km (43.4 miles) without drivers.

Videos shared on social media showed the train zooming past several stations at high speed.

Bangladesh's critically endangered wild elephants have received a court order banning their adoption and protecting them from exploitation.

Animal rights groups welcomed the High Court suspension of all licences, so young Asian elephants can no longer be captured and taken into captivity.

Some of the animals have been used for begging, circuses or street shows.

There are now only about 200 of the elephants in Bangladesh, with about half of those living in captivity.

20/2/2024

Two political parties in Pakistan have reached a formal agreement to form a new government following an election mired in controversy.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) will be backed by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in a new administration, they jointly announced.

Both parties won fewer seats than candidates loyal to jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan on 8 February.

On X, Mr Khan's PTI party branded the coalition "mandate thieves".

His movement alleges the vote was rigged to keep his supporters out of power.

Protesting Indian farmers say they will resume marching to capital Delhi this week after rejecting a government proposal to buy some crops at assured prices on a five-year contract.

The protesters began marching last week but were stopped around 200km (125 miles) from Delhi.

Since then, farmer leaders were in talks with the government on their demands.

But on Monday night, they said the offer was "not in their interest".

Some of India's top airlines have been ordered to start sending out passengers' bags within 10 minutes of the plane's engine shutting down.

The civil aviation ministry has said that passengers' luggage should be delivered to them within 10 to 30 minutes after landing.

The airlines have until 26 February to comply with the order.

Late baggage delivery has been a persistent problem across airports.

15/2/2024

Nawaz Sharif and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's parties in Pakistan have reached a deal to form a government after last week's disputed election.

Mr Bhutto's PPP Party said it would help Mr Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League elect a prime minister.

The two parties were previously in a coalition that ousted Imran Khan from power in 2022. He is now in jail.

This time independent candidates backed by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) unexpectedly won the most seats.

Indonesia's defence minister Prabowo Subianto is on course to become the country's next president after early results showed him winning more than half of votes cast in the first round.

Early polling samples showed the feared former general winning more than 57% of votes, avoiding a second round run-off.

He is a polarising figure whose popularity has prompted fears that Indonesia is in danger of sliding back towards its authoritarian past. He has been dogged by allegations of human rights abuses in the past.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate a grand Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during a two-day visit to the country.

The temple in Abu Dhabi is built on a 27-acre plot donated by the UAE government.

12/2/2024

The final results in Pakistan's general election have put independent candidates backed by jailed ex-PM Imran Khan's PTI party in the lead.

Independents won 101 of the National Assembly seats. BBC analysis shows 93 of them went to PTI-backed candidates.

That puts them ahead of ex-PM Nawaz Sharif's PMLN who won 75 and it is unclear who will form a government.

As wrangling continues, independent candidates who did not win have flooded courts with vote-rigging allegations.

Both the PTI, which was blocked from taking part in the election, and Mr Sharif's PMLN say they want to form the next government.

The result was a surprise as most observers had expected Mr Sharif's party - widely seen as having the powerful military's backing - to win, given Mr Khan had been jailed on charges ranging from corruption to having married illegally and his party was barred from the ballot sheet.

To govern, a candidate has to show they are at the head of a coalition with a simple majority of 169 seats in the National Assembly.

Lunar New Year celebrations have been taking place in Northampton and around the world as millions of people mark the occasion in places like Madrid, Hong Kong and New York City.

People are marking the end of the Year of the Rabbit and the start of the Year of the Dragon - two of 12 different animals that feature in the Chinese zodiac. Each animal has a year dedicated to them once every 12 years.

There are performances and parades as part of the two-week festivities, which often conclude with a special lantern festival

6/2/2024

In Pakistan, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, once exiled, now stands as the front-runner for the upcoming February 8th election. Despite past convictions and military coups, Sharif's resurgence marks a dramatic turn in Pakistani politics, overshadowing his rival, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, now incarcerated.

However, amidst political turmoil, tragedy has struck as at least 10 officers are killed in a militant assault on a police station. Over 30 militants launched the attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, raising concerns over election-related violence. This incident follows a rise in aggression, including the assassination of a National Assembly candidate last week, amidst ongoing threats from militant groups.

Elsewhere, a controversial social media campaign has sparked ethical debate. A post announcing the death of Indian actress Poonam Pandey from cervical cancer triggers widespread tributes, only for Pandey to later reveal it as a publicity stunt aimed at raising awareness about the disease. The incident highlights the ethical dilemmas surrounding online publicity campaigns and the power of social media in shaping public perception.

1/2/2024

Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been jailed for 14 years, the second sentence handed to Pakistan's former prime minister in two days.

The couple were convicted of illegally profiting from state gifts - just a week before a general election in which he is barred from standing.

Khan, who was ousted as PM by his opponents in 2022, is already serving a three-year jail term for corruption.

He has said the numerous cases against him are politically motivated.

Wednesday's court case revolved around accusations over state gifts that he and his wife received while in office, while Tuesday's case - for which he was sentenced to 10 years - for leaking classified state documents. It is thought the two sentences will run concurrently, although that has not been confirmed.

The court has also ordered the couple to pay a fine of about 1.5 billion rupees (£4.2m; $5.3m).

Dense fog has caused travel chaos in India's capital Delhi, with dozens of flights and trains affected.

Report say 50 flights and nearly two dozen trains have been delayed.

According to the flight tracking app flightradar24, hundreds of departing flights were delayed by 25 minutes on an average and flight arrivals were delayed by eight minutes.

But passengers have been complaining of being stranded for hours at the airport.

29/1/2024

Nine Pakistanis have been killed by gunmen in the restive southeastern border area of Iran.

The attack occurred in Saravan, Sistan-Baluchestan province. The Pakistani ambassador to Tehran expressed shock and called for Iran's cooperation. Survivors reported that three armed individuals entered a residence, shot the foreigners, and fled the scene. Nine are dead, and three others are wounded.

In the business world, India's Tata Group and Europe's Airbus have inked a deal to manufacture civilian helicopters.

The agreement was signed during French President Macron's state visit to India. This collaboration builds on their existing partnership in producing the C-295 transport aircraft. The helicopters, with a significant local component, will have a final assembly line set up in 24 months, with deliveries expected to start in 2026.

India celebrated its 75th Republic Day with a grand parade showcasing military might and cultural heritage.

French President Macron attended as the chief guest. Thousands lined the ceremonial boulevard in the capital. Tanks, missile systems, and infantry combat vehicles were displayed, along with a ceremonial British-era horse-drawn carriage making a return after 40 years.

Prime Minister Modi and President Draupadi Murmu greeted Macron, making it a memorable event.

23/1/2024

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated a grand temple to Hindu god Ram in the flashpoint city of Ayodhya.

He said it heralded "a new era" for India - the temple replaces a 16th-Century mosque torn down by Hindu mobs in 1992, sparking riots in which nearly 2,000 people died.

Top film stars and cricketers were among guests at the event in Ayodhya.

At least eight people have died and dozens are still missing after a landslide struck China's southwestern province of Yunnan.

The landslide in Zhaotong city happened at 05:51 local time (21:51 GMT) on Monday, trapping 47 people.

President Xi Jinping has ordered an "all-out" rescue in the area which is experiencing sub-zero temperatures.

The cause of the landslide remains unclear, but the remote, mountainous region is prone to them.

Sony's Indian arm has scrapped a planned merger with Zee Entertainment which would have formed one of India's largest entertainment groups.

The $10bn merger, first announced two years ago, was set to combine more than 75 television channels, film assets and two streaming platforms.

Sony said merger conditions had not been met, but there have been reports of a disagreement over leadership.

In response, Zee said it could take legal action against Sony.

17/1/2024

Ethnic insurgents in western Myanmar say they have captured an important town on one of the main routes to India from military forces.

The Arakan Army (AA) - one of three armed groups that launched a major new offensive against the military in October - says it has taken control of Paletwa, in Chin State.

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has criticised a deepfake video in which he seems to be promoting an online gaming app.

The video shows him praising the app as a quick way to make money.

"These videos are fake. It is disturbing to see rampant misuse of technology," he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

India's aviation regulator has issued an advisory to airlines after dozens of people took to social media to complain about flight delays and cancellations.

The regulator has asked airlines to cancel flights "sufficiently in advance" and inform passengers about delays in real time.

Airlines have blamed the cascading effect of fog in Delhi for the chaos.

But furious passengers have accused airlines and airports of inadequate communication.

11/1/2024

In the Maldives, tensions rise as a diplomatic spat with India takes center stage. Following "derogatory" comments by three Maldivian junior ministers against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the tourist paradise faces the risk of a boycott by Indian tourists, who contribute significantly to the country's income. The suspended ministers had labeled Modi a "clown," a "terrorist," and a "puppet of Israel."

In a heartwarming story from Odisha, a 13-year-old girl is reunited with her mother after a decade. The mother had been branded a witch, blamed for her husband's death, and ousted from their tribal village still gripped by superstition and witch-hunting.

Meanwhile, in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the Atal Setu, also known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link. The 21.8km sea-bridge aims to facilitate travel between south Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, cutting the journey time significantly.

8/1/2024

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has secured her fourth straight term in a controversial election.

Ms Hasina will serve another five years in office after her party the Awami League and its allies won 223 of 300 parliamentary seats contested.

India summoned the high commissioner of Maldives after a row broke out over derogatory posts made by three officials about PM Narendra Modi.

The deputy ministers, who have been suspended, called Mr Modi a "clown", "terrorist" and a "puppet of Israel".

A foreign ministry spokesperson said the comments were personal and did not represent the views of the government.

Japanese animation legend Hayao Miyazaki has won his first Golden Globe Award at the age of 82 for The Boy and the Heron.

This marks the first Golden Globe win for a non-English animated feature.

Billed as Mr Miyazaki's final feature, it was up against Disney productions such as Wish and Elemental in the animated feature category.

19/12/2023

In India, authorities have issued an advisory on the new Covid-19 JN.1 variant, urging an increase in RT-PCR testing to track and manage the spread of the virus. In political developments, Bhajan Lal Sharma has been sworn in as Rajasthan's new Chief Minister in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Modi.

Moving to Bangladesh, a tragic incident occurred where a train was set on fire amid a national strike, leading to the death of four people. This event marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political turmoil. Investigations are underway to determine if the incident was an act of arson by opposition parties.

In Pakistan, the stock market faces turbulence as the PSX plunged over 500 points, signaling tough economic times ahead. Additionally, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa region is grappling with a severe health crisis, with a significant number of children affected by pneumonia, spotlighting the need for enhanced healthcare measures.

7/12/2023

In Pakistan, security forces engage in a fierce battle, resulting in the elimination of a terrorist, Habib-ur-Rehman. A sanitization operation continues to eradicate any remaining threats as the country intensifies efforts against terrorism.

Shifting to climate concerns, Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi blames India for the hazardous smog in Pakistan, highlighting the issue at the United Nations COP28 in Dubai. He points to crop residue burning in Indian Punjab as a significant factor affecting his province.

In a heart-wrenching story, 34-year-old Nimisha Priya faces death row in Yemen for the murder of Talal Abdo Madhi. Yemen's Supreme Judicial Council offers a slim chance for escape, seeking "blood money" from the victim's family.

5/12/2023

In Peshawar, Pakistan, a tragic incident has occurred. Italian tourist Joshua Moises was found dead in his apartment, with local authorities terming it a 'suicide.'

Heading to India, Manipur state witnessed a deadly gunfight, leaving 13 dead. The clash adds to the ongoing unrest, following ethnic clashes that erupted seven months ago, claiming over 180 lives.

Turning to weather, southern India braces for Cyclone Michaung. Two lives have already been claimed in Tamil Nadu due to severe weather conditions, prompting evacuations and closures. Chennai airport shut down, trains cancelled, and the region grapples with floods.

1/12/2023

In Punjab, winter vacations have been declared for schools and colleges from December 18 to January 1 to combat the SMOG challenge. Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the closure, citing improved air quality.

Tragedy struck in Karachi as a man, Arshad, claims innocence in the brutal murder of his wife and three children. Despite his plea, the father-in-law accuses him, and the bodies have been shifted to Jinnah Hospital.

In an international twist, the US foiled an alleged plot to assassinate a Sikh separatist in New York. Indian national Nikhil Gupta, accused of hiring a hitman, awaits extradition. The White House expressed concern, dispatching top intelligence leaders to India. The target, reportedly Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, challenges India to face the consequences.

28/11/2023

India Weather Tragedy: At least 24 killed in Gujarat by lightning and intense storms. Unusual winter storms cause havoc, damaging homes and claiming lives. Experts link the surge in extreme weather events to rising global temperatures.

Uttarakhand Tunnel Rescue: Australian underground expert Arnold Dix faces the "toughest" tunnel rescue in India. 41 workers trapped for over two weeks. Silkyara tunnel breakdowns and technical challenges add complexity to the operation.

PSX Breaks Records: Pakistan Stock Exchange crosses 60,000 points for the first time in history. Bullish trend continues, attributed to fiscal discipline, anti-smuggling measures, and positive IMF deal.

24/11/2023

Illegal Kidney Racket Busted: In Lahore, Pakistan, a mother-son duo was arrested for an alleged illegal kidney-selling operation. Meanwhile, in Assam's Morigaon district, a similar arrest was made as a mother, a marketing officer, and her son were accused of running a kidney racket. Victims were reportedly lured into selling kidneys for financial gain, with the accused receiving Rs 300,000 for one kidney. Dr. Fawad, involved in transporting victims to Islamabad for kidney sales, was also arrested.

Pakistan's BRICS Aspiration: Pakistan formally seeks to join BRICS, a significant group of developing nations. Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch confirmed the request, citing developments related to BRICS in Johannesburg as a reason behind the decision.

Uttarakhand Tunnel Rescue Delay: Rescue efforts to save 41 workers trapped in Uttarakhand's tunnel face delays due to drilling machine issues. The US-made machine, used to create an escape route through debris, is under repair. Workers have been stuck for 12 days since a landslide caused a section of the Silkyara tunnel to collapse. Drilling is expected to resume on Friday.

22/11/2023

Concerns rise in Pakistan's automotive sector as car sales plummet by 47.4% in the first four months of the current financial year. Data from the Pakistan Automobile Manufacturing Association reveals a significant drop, with sales at 20,871 units compared to 39,700 during the same period last year.

A mass exodus of nearly 375,000 Afghans from Pakistan follows the November 1 deadline for the voluntary return of undocumented foreigners. International Organization for Migration (IOM) and humanitarian partners provide critical aid at border crossings, addressing the challenges of this displacement.

Cricket captain Rohit Sharma's emotional exit from the World Cup final resonates with millions of Indians. Despite a valiant effort, India's loss to Australia extends the country's trophy drought. Rohit, who missed the 2011 victory, displayed selfless and fearless cricket, leaving a poignant mark on the tournament.

16/11/2023

In northern India's Jammu district, a tragic bus accident claims at least 36 lives and leaves 19 injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expresses condolences.

In Islamabad, police arrest eight illegal African nationals for residency violations. Cases filed against four for lacking legal documents.

And in Pakistan, fuel prices see a reduction – petrol by Rs2.04 per litre, diesel by Rs6.47, kerosene oil by Rs6.05, and light-speed diesel by Rs9.01.

15/11/2023

In northern India, rescuers are working urgently to save 40 workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel in Uttarakhand since Sunday. Officials aim to rescue them by Tuesday night or Wednesday, providing food, water, and oxygen while preparing to drill a passage.

Shifting to Delhi, post-Diwali fireworks worsen air quality, with residents waking up to smoky skies. Despite a ban due to high pollution levels, crackers were burst late into Sunday night. Delhi continues to battle toxic air, exacerbated by factors like vehicular emissions and crop burning.

In diplomatic news, the Taliban's acting commerce minister meets Pakistan's foreign minister in Islamabad, discussing trade and the repatriation of Afghan citizens expelled by Pakistan.

10/11/2023

In a powerful interview, two Kuki-Zomi women in India, victims of a horrifying assault, reveal their trauma and fight for justice. They now live in hiding after ethnic clashes.

India has filed an appeal with Qatar over death sentences for eight former naval officers accused of spying. The case adds tension to bilateral relations.

Ambassador Munir Akram emphasizes Pakistan's commitment to nuclear safety at the UN General Assembly, highlighting its compliance with global standards. Pakistan seeks equitable access to civil nuclear cooperation.

8/11/2023

In Pakistan, a sess

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